The most anticipated PlayStation game ever is gorgeous, endearing, and finally here

Not because it isn't good. On the contrary, it's an incredible game — the master work of a unique genius in director Fumito Ueda.

"The Last Guardian" shouldn't exist because the PlayStation 4 exclusive has been in development, in some form or another, since 2007. Most video games take around two to three years to make, even blockbusters like "Destiny." That's because games are incredibly expensive to make, and exclusive games are especially risky — returns can only be made from sales on a single game console, rather than several.

Yet, here we are: "The Last Guardian" arrives on Tuesday, December 6 on the PlayStation 4 — a late entry in a year filled with fantastic games.

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So, what is "The Last Guardian"? Here's everything you should know:

1/

In "The Last Guardian," you play as a young boy.

"The Last Guardian" was originally announced for the PlayStation 3 — it's been in development long enough that an entire new PlayStation console came into existence while the game was being crafted.
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2/

Little backstory is given for the boy (not even a name!), but there are occasional flashes of exposition. We know he lived in a village and he woke up in this mysterious place.

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3/

Oh and also there's a massive cat-bird-dragon animal. It's called "Trico."

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4/

It's outrageously adorable.

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5/

"The Last Guardian" is, plainly, a third-person action-adventure game. You explore a mysterious place, progressing through areas with your adorable Trico alongside.

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6/

But that description undercuts the Studio Ghibli-esque nuance in storytelling. Trico is dog-like in its expression of emotion.

The game's camera automatically defaults to the perspective between the young boy (the player) and Trico, another nod to their bond.
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